15 times the choice, three times the range: EV progress since 2011
Published: 26 April, 2022
The SMMT used its annual Test Day driving event, held at Millbrook Proving Ground near Bedford, to highlight the progress made on EV availability and range over the last 10 years, during which time a 15-fold increase in choice of model has unfolded, with many of these cars having more than three times the range of vehicles from a decade ago.
33 manufacturers demonstrating more than 100 models today (Tuesday 26 June), including 42 plug-in electric models on the circuit. Hundreds of media guests tested the performance, safety and technology features of cars, vans, pick-ups and taxis. They will saw the massive increases in electric vehicle battery technology, with the vehicles on display averaging 257 miles on a single charge, more than treble the 74 mile average available at Test Day in 2011.
SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes said: “The ever-increasing number of electric vehicle models launched by manufacturers since 2011 shows just how far Britain has come, with industry investment stimulating innovation at an ever-faster rate. With almost 200 electrified models expected to be available by the end of the year, manufacturers are turning ambitions for zero and ultra-low emission mobility into a reality, while motorists’ demand for these vehicles increases month by month.”
The government’s EV infrastructure strategy, published in March is crucial to keep EV momentum rolling, as Mike observed: “To turn this nascent demand into a mass market, however, motorists need choice, affordability and the confidence to charge. The UK has an ambitious timescale to deliver net zero and road transport must shoulder the biggest burden delivering that goal. The industry is up for the challenge but we need all stakeholders, including government, charge point providers and energy companies, to match manufacturers’ commitment by providing the competitive incentives and infrastructure that assures a zero-emission future.”
At the time of the launch of Britain’s first mass-produced battery electric vehicle, the Nissan LEAF, in 2011, just nine plug-in car models were available in the UK – making up less than one in 1,000 total registrations. Today, there are more than 140 plug-in models available, accounting for around one in five new cars sold this year, with a further 50 models expected to be launched by the end of 2022.
- EV sales second only to petrol in 2022
1,614,063 new cars were sold in the UK in 2022, down 2.0% on 2021, with supply chain issues, according to the latest figures from the SMMT. At those close of the year, EV sales were second only to petrol.
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The automotive industry cautiously welcomed the government’s recently published road to net zero strategy. The plan lays out a roadmap for the UK to cut its contribution to climate change down to zero by 2050, and covers industry, aviation, home-heating and transport.
- EVs and company cars fuel November new car sales boost
UK new car sales were up 23.5% in November, with 142,889 sold in what was the fourth month of consecutive growth, the figures from the SMMT have shown. While still 8.8% below pre-pandemic 2019, it s the best November since then.
- New cars sales up in September as EV total hits one million
New car went up again in September, with registrations rising 4.6% to, 225,269 , according to the latest figures from the SMMT. While sales were 9,957 up on last year, the month saw sales still lagging 34.4% below pre-pandemic levels.
The month also saw the second highest ever monthly volume of battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations in history, up 16.5% to 38,116 units, although plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) sales dropped 11.5% to 12,281, Despite this, overall plug-in vehicles made up around one in five new cars sold in September. In total, 249,575 have now been sold during 2022, a quarter of the one million plug-in EVs on the road in total across the UK.
Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) sales went up 16.5% to 29,088, while petrol car sales were up 4.3% to 126,873. Meanwhile, diesels went down 14.5% to 18,911.Commenting on the figures, SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes said, “September has seen Britain’s millionth electric car reach the road – an important milestone in the shift to zero emission mobility. Battery electric vehicles make up but a small fraction of cars on the road, so we need to ensure every lever is pulled to encourage motorists to make the shift if our green goals are to be met.The overall market remains weak, however, as supply chain issues continue to constrain model availability. Whilst the industry is working hard to address these issues, the long-term recovery of the market also depends on robust consumer confidence and economic stability.”
- June new car sales: Weakest since 1996
New car sales fell by 24.3% last month, making it the weakest June since 1996, according to the latest figures from the SMMT, with ongoing parts supply issues along with additional pandemic restrictions in China being blamed for impeding the industry’s ability to meet demand. Just 140,958 new vehicles were registered, during the month.
